Most babies born at 35 weeks will not have to stay in the NICU. However, some babies may need to stay in the NICU depending on their health.
Will a Baby Born at 35 Weeks Have to Stay in NICU?
A baby born at 35 weeks may need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a period depending on his or her health condition. Some babies born at this gestational age may be developmentally ready to go home, while others may need to stay in the NICU for a longer period. The length of stay in the NICU will also be dependent on the baby’s birth weight.
If a baby is born at 35 weeks and is small for gestational age, he or she may need to be monitored closely in the NICU. Babies who are small for gestational age are at an increased risk for developing respiratory problems and feeding difficulties. They may also be more likely to experience jaundice and hypoglycemia.
Babies born at 35 weeks who are considered to be large for gestational age may also need to be monitored closely in the NICU. These babies are at an increased risk for developing hypertension and diabetes. They may also be more likely to experience shoulder dystocia during delivery.
Babies born at 35 weeks who are premature may also need to stay in the NICU for some time. These babies are at an increased risk for developing respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis. They may also be more likely to experience feeding difficulties and jaundice.
The Risks of Being Born Prematurely
As a parent, you never want to hear that your child is born too early. But unfortunately, it’s a reality for many families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 10 babies in the United States are born prematurely.
A baby is considered premature if he or she is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies often have to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because their bodies aren’t ready for life outside the womb.
There are many risks associated with being born prematurely. These include:
• Respiratory problems. Premature babies often have trouble breathing because their lungs are not fully developed. They may need help from a ventilator to breathe.
• Infections. Premature babies are more susceptible to infections because their immune systems are not fully developed.
• feeding difficulties. Premature babies may have trouble feeding because they are not yet able to suck or swallow effectively.
• Jaundice. This is a condition where the baby’s skin and eyes take on a yellowish tint. It’s caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood.
• Anemia. This is a condition where the blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells. It can cause fatigue and pale skin.
• brain bleeds. This is a serious complication that can occur when there is bleeding in the brain. It can lead to long-term problems such as cerebral palsy.
• Retinopathy of prematurity. This is a condition that can cause vision problems.
While the risks are serious, it’s important to remember that many premature babies go on to lead healthy, happy lives. With the help of modern medicine, more and more premature babies are surviving and thriving.
The Benefits of a Full-Term Pregnancy
A full-term pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy that lasts between 37 and 41 weeks. A baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature, while a baby born after 41 weeks is considered post-term.
The benefits of a full-term pregnancy are many. For both mother and baby, the risks of complications are much lower when the pregnancy is allowed to progress to full-term.
For the mother, full-term pregnancy means a decreased risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Pre-eclampsia can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby, and can even be life-threatening.
Full-term pregnancy also decreases the risk of placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix. Placenta previa can cause bleeding during pregnancy and delivery and can be very dangerous for both mother and baby.
For the baby, full-term pregnancy means a decreased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). RDS is a condition that can occur when the baby’s lungs are not fully developed. Babies with RDS often require ventilation and other medical interventions to help them breathe.
Full-term pregnancy also decreases the risk of neonatal jaundice, a condition in which the baby’s skin and whites of the eyes become yellow due to a build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Neonatal jaundice can usually be treated with phototherapy, but in some cases, it can lead to serious complications.
In general, the longer the pregnancy, the greater the chance of the baby being born healthy. A full-term pregnancy gives the baby the best chance for a healthy start to life.
How to Reduce the Risk of Preterm Labor
It is estimated that about 12% of all pregnancies in the United States will end in preterm labor. Preterm labor is defined as labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy. A baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature.
Many factors can increase your risk of preterm labor, including:
• A previous history of preterm labor or premature birth
• Smoking cigarettes
• Drinking alcohol
• Using illicit drugs
• Being pregnant with twins, triplets, or other multiples
• Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or infections
There are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of preterm labor, including:
• Quit smoking
• Avoid alcohol and drugs
• Get regular prenatal care
• Manage medical conditions
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor
If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of preterm labor, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away. These signs and symptoms may include:
• Regular or frequent contractions
• Pelvic pressure
• Low, dull backache
• Cramping in the lower abdomen or back
• Diarrhea
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Nesting instinct (an overwhelming urge to clean or organize your home)
If you are at risk for preterm labor or have a history of premature birth, your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications or therapies to help reduce your risk. These may include:
• Antibiotics to treat infections
• Medications to stop contractions
• Steroids to help the baby’s lungs mature
In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to help manage preterm labor. If you are hospitalized, you will be closely monitored and may be given IV fluids and oxygen. You may also be given medications to stop contractions.
If you are having a baby at 35 weeks, there is a good chance that your baby will be healthy and will not need to stay in the NICU. However, your baby may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week for monitoring.
As a licensed physician, my knowledge is based on both experience and study. I practice medicine and am a mother. I am aware of the anxiety that comes with having a sick child and how important it is for you to make the best choices.
